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The League Position Statement and External Policies frame topics of interest to the League and provide the basis for external activities. These Statements describe the goals that are consistent with the beliefs, values and purpose of the JLCW. Voluntarism
The JLCW, whose purpose is: to promote voluntarism, to develop the potential of its members for voluntary participation in community affairs, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of trained volunteers, supports and promotes voluntarism as an essential component of our society. The JLCW further recognizes the critical role of the voluntary sector in experimenting, demonstrating, innovating and advocating for needed change, monitoring the public sector objectively and impartially, influencing governmental program development and providing those services unavailable through governmental programs. Therefore, the JLCW will continue to take action to ensure the effectiveness of the voluntary sector. (October 1979) (Also AJLI Position Statement) (Reaffirmed 2001) Historic Preservation
The JLCW recognizes the importance of historical heritage and particularly supports efforts to preserve structures of historical significance. (October 1979) (Reaffirmed 2001) Domestic Violence
The JLCW recognizes that domestic violence is a major social problem with far-reaching physical, economic, and psychological ramifications. We also recognize that to arrest the increase in the incidence of domestic violence and to stop the intergenerational cycle of abuse, society must understand the problem, act to assist and protect the victims and attempt to work effectively with the abusers. Therefore, the JLCW not only encourages awareness and education concerning this problem, but also stresses the need for continued supportive action by the community and the judicial system to aid and protect the victims of domestic violence. (Also CJLW and NYSPAC Position Statement) (February 1981) (Reaffirmed 2001) Substance Abuse
Because our children's physical and mental development up to the age of 18 is so vital; because experimentation with drugs and alcohol occurs at a younger age than ever before; and because new learning skills are most easily developed at this age and, therefore, the young are the primary target of preventive strategies; the JLCW: - Supports preventive education within our individual communities on drugs and alcohol abuse,
- Supports working within our individual communities in the prevention of juvenile drug and alcohol abuse, and
- Opposes the non-medical sale of drugs and drug paraphernalia to minors. (April 1981) (Revised 1986) (Reaffirmed 2001)
Child Abuse And Neglect
The JLCW recognizes that child abuse and neglect is a critical problem in this state as well as the nation. The JLCW is committed to assuring that children of this state have the opportunities and services essential for optimal physical, emotional, mental and social growth and will advocate to see that such opportunities and services are provided. (October 1978) (Also CJLW and NYSPAC Position Statement) (Reaffirmed 2001) Child Care
The JLCW recognizes the need for adequate quality child care to meet the needs of families in Westchester County. A variety of child care services, provided in both the public and private sector, should be institutionalized in Westchester County. Child care services should meet minimum standards to insure the health, safety, and well-being of children. Information and referral systems should be established to assist parents in need of services. (Also CJLW Position Statement) (April 1983) (Reaffirmed, 2001) Women
The JLCW, a membership diverse woman's volunteer organization, supports fair and equal opportunities and services for women essential to their physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth. The JLCW supports laws which ensure protection of women from discrimination and will advocate for a just environment in which each woman can develop her potential to achieve personal and community goals. (March 1986 (Reaffirmed 2001) Homelessness
The JLCW recognizes that homelessness is a critical problem in Westchester County and supports the right of all individuals to decent shelter, food and human services. Therefore, the JLCW is committed to promoting community awareness of the issue of homelessness, endorsing the availability of comprehensive support services, and advocating for the resolution of homeless issues and the prevention of homelessness at the county, state; and federal levels of government. (June 1990) (Reaffirmed 2001) Environment
The JLCW promotes environmental awareness and encourages, through education, advocacy and action responsibility in the attainment of a safer, cleaner and healthier environment, in order to protect and preserve the quality of life for future generations. Literacy
The JLCW recognizes that literacy is an essential life skill, critical to independence and self-esteem. The JLCW is committed to promoting literacy by endorsing early access to books for children and families and supporting the availability of literacy programs to all individuals. The JLCW recognizes that reading achievement is linked to book ownership, adult role modeling and exposure to the value of reading for pleasure. (March 2001)
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